Curated: reports, a guide to Milan Design Week, and a new publication
articles, reports, books, and other curiosities
Playground readers,
Like a true Northern European team, we’ve used the darker months to cosy up and get things done. And now, finally, a few of those new ideas are ready to step into the light.
The first is here already – we’ve created a new publication, and you can read more about it below.
But before that, a long-awaited curated list: a collection of things we’ve read, watched, bookmarked and genuinely enjoyed.
As a bonus, I’m also sharing a top 10 guide to Milan Design Week, as I’ll be there for a few days myself. Expect a bit of live reporting over on our Instagram next week!
Articles, reports & playbooks
Is Good Taste A Trap? - The New Yorker
Research as a form of pattern disruption - Alexi Gunner on Idle Gaze
The Social Study 2026 - Eventbrite
The Ecommerce Playbook: A Practical Field Guide for Modern DTC Brands - Mailchimp
A Report on the State of Shame - ZINE
Podcasts
Watch: A Conversation With Anna Wintour and Her U.S. Vogue Successor, Chloe Malle - The New York Times
Watching Anna Wintour and Chloe Malle (the new editor of American Vogue) together feels a little like seeing two generations meet – with very different energies, yet both fully themselves. It brought me back to Anna Wintour’s wider belief in the value of the “original thinker” – something that feels especially relevant now, when so much can start to look and sound the same.
I also loved following it up with The New Yorker piece. Anna Wintour as Vogue Icon
Book
‘Not a Playbook: the art of building a brand’ by Damian Bradfield (co-founded We Transfer) and Andreas Tzorzis
This honest story behind the Dutch file-sharing company WeTransfer – turned brand, (from a lower b) – is a beautiful and meaningful behind-the-scenes look at how a functional tech product created real meaning for its existence in the world.
From instinct-driven teams to a real focus on community, it truly is an ode to brand-building as a creative act – almost a rebellion, and a strong point of view.
The book reads even more tenderly knowing it was written as a goodbye from the founder, as he stepped back after the newly acquired company let go 85% of its employees.
The loudest design week of the year is few days away now! If you are around, or have your must-visits, share with us!
Osteria Fiori di Marimekko | Via Ascanio Sforza, 75, Milano
Renaissance of the Real by USM x Snøhetta | Fondazione Luigi Rovati, Corso Venezia 52, 20122 Milano
Alcova | Via Giovanni Labus, 10, M1 Primaticcio & Via Mogadiscio, 2, M1 Gambara or M4 Bolivar
Metamorphosis in Motion By Lina Ghotmeh | Palazzo Litta, Corso Magenta 24, 20121 Milano
Apartamento Bookshop x Muller Van Severen | Ordet, Via Filippino Lippi 4, Milano
Apartamento x Jil Sander x Toogood Reference Library | Jil Sander, Via Luca Beltrami 5, Milano
Plaza 2026 by Capsule Global | Via Achille Maiocchi 8, Milano
Chasing The Sun by Yinka Ilori for Veuve Clicquot | Mediateca Santa Teresa, Via Moscova, 28, Milano
The drinks lab, ÖDD ÜNIVERSE AT ERIS | Via Bartolomeo Eustachi 8, Milano
IKEA Food for thought | Spazio Maiocchi, Via Achille Maiocchi 7, Milano
We created a new magazine title: Playbook!
Yes, a recommendation for Not a Playbook – and here we are, launching an actual Playbook you might not want to put down.
A team gathering in Vilnius last autumn, good mood, drinks, and a stroll through an airport magazine shop after – and just like that, a new idea was born: our second publishing title had to be a games publication.
We wanted to create something truly enjoyable to own and use, beautifully designed, in a category that has not felt particularly inspiring.
What else would a studio searching for more play make?
Designed by Davy Denduyver, it is currently in its test-and-play phase – stay tuned for more news. We’ll let you know once it’s out.
Housekeeping
If you like how we think and you’re a brand, consider working with us. We’ve just added fresh cases at studioplayground.cc!
If you like what we do, the biggest support is picking up our print magazine or merch – it keeps the Playground alive.
A small gesture goes a long way. If you liked what you read, share it with a friend, subscribe to our newsletter, drop us a reply, join the comments – or simply give it a like. Every feedback keeps us moving.
Auste & studio playground team
A literal playbook. I love that!
Yeeehhhaaa to the playbook!!